A Dozen Creative Ideas for Decorating Blank Walls

When you want to fill a lot of wall space in one fell swoop, these ideas will help you do it with aplomb

Houzz Contributor. I cover topics ranging from decorating ideas, product picks, Houzz tours, and interviews with designers and architects, to the monthly home maintenance checklist. My favorite pieces to write tend to center around the emotional aspects of home and savoring life's simple pleasures.
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When you have a big, blank wall to fill, your first thought may be a gallery wall. There’s nothing wrong with that, but sometimes it’s nice to break up all of that flat framed artwork with something different. Enter baskets, brackets, paint-dipped objects, wall sculptures, special paint effects and more. Check out these 12 ways to fill your walls with color and creativity.

1. Cluster colorful baskets. Why hang one or two baskets when you can hang a whole bunch? Collect decorative woven baskets in various sizes and colors, and play around with possible arrangements on the floor before hanging them. Can't find colorful baskets? Create your own by painting the interior of plain baskets with craft paint.

2. Layer giant letters. In this case two is definitely better than one — a pair of oversize letters, whether vintage or new, makes a big statement anywhere you put them. Slightly overlapping the letters creates an even stronger graphic statement than hanging them side by side.

3. Make a dip-painted wall sculpture. Yes, the piece shown here was created by an artist — but that doesn't mean you can't craft your own spin on it. Try dip-paining an old farm implement or wood-handled cooking tools in brightly colored paint to give them a modern twist, then hang them on the wall.

4. Tape off a graphic statement wall. Paint a base color on your wall, then tape off sections (these will show through later) and paint the next coat in a contrasting hue. Vary the width of your taped-off stripes to create a random look similar to what is shown here. Hang pictures or just let the wall be a statement on its own.

5. Use wall brackets to bring dimension to your art. Instead of just hanging art directly on the wall, why not try propping it up on decorative wall brackets? It would boost visual interest, and you can change things around whenever you feel like it — framed prints one day, bud vases the next.

6. Hang your hats. Don't let cool hats hide behind closed doors — show off your fedoras, trilbies, cloches and skimmers on hooks on the wall for a functional display. Unless you are going for a dorm room–bachelor pad vibe, I would avoid hanging baseball caps. No hats? Try the same thing with your statement necklaces for a similar effect.

7. Add oomph with framed paper. Lengths of wallpaper framed with basic wooden wall molding beef up the headboards of a pair of four-posters in this bedroom. A gorgeous F. Schumacher paper was used here, but you could frame a really pretty gift wrap for a budget take on this look.

8. Track down a vintage sign. A massive vintage store sign, like this one that hangs in the Parker Palm Springs Hotel, is sure to become the focal point of the room — so choose one you really love.

9. Go subtly sophisticated with wainscot paneling. Create architectural interest on a plain wall by using 4- to 6-inch-wide pieces of MDF wainscot paneling applied in a grid pattern, then paint it all a superrich, dark hue.

10. Stick a message on the wall. Yes, I said stick, not paint: This crafty renter used a projector to display the message across a door and wall, so she could trace it onto black contact paper. The contact paper can be peeled off, so this is a perfect project for renters ... or if you want to test out an idea before committing to it with paint.

11. Go retro with a metal wall sculpture. We can thank Jonathan Adler for creating a new wave of popularity for the midcentury metal wall sculptures of C. Jere — these cool retro pieces make frequent appearances in Adler-designed spaces, and he has reissued several C. Jere designs, so it is now much easier to find them. Here interior designer Soledad Alzaga used a linen-covered canvas to frame the wall sculpture, giving it even more depth.

Don't want to spend the bucks on a C. Jere original? There were many other makers of metal wall sculptures who produced work in a similar style during the same time period. Try using a phrase like "vintage metal wall sculpture" in your web search and you should be able to track down plenty of options at all price points.

12. Hang something with an interesting pattern. Keep an open mind and you can find unique wall hangings just about anywhere: metal sheets used to cover radiators, garden fencing, punched tin doors, woven screens, baskets … the list is endless. Check your own garage, attic and storage shed, and keep an eye out for curbside freebies — you never know what you may find!

Abstract wall designs is speciality of our business. We sell photography based abstractions printed on aluminum with state of art flatbed printer. Worldwide delivery is free. More information is available at http://AlexeiRebrov.com

A tile mural over a fireplace in a great room is a gorgeous focal point. Tuscan vineyard transferred onto tumbled marble tiles. The lady in Red.. Client took a photo of his girlfriend .. posterized it in Photoshop and than I transferred it onto tiles

Another cost effective way to cover a blank wall is with a rug. Kilims are the easiest to hang and have fantastic vegetable-dyed colors to choose from. If you want original artwork on a limited budget there is no better alternative. Throw a light on it and the atmosphere will assume a whole new level of sophistication too.

It should be noted that some antique rugs will put you right back at the level of an original oil painting but there are plenty of great rugs to be found for under $300 or so.

I framed beautifully printed lithographs that were part of a calendar from a store in Naples, Italy. The best part...the calendar, was a free gift when I purchased some ties and cologne at the store in Naples.

The secret to using stripes on a wall is to really use stripes:in varying widths and colors, horizontal, vertically, or in any combination or pattern. These are repositionable, removable and reusable so you don't have to tape before painting or worry about whether or not they are exactly straight. Got a post or column in the wrong place and can't hide it? Accept it. That's what Libby Langdon did at High Point Fall Market. She covered a square column in her exhibit space with her Mini Maze design from her collection for Casart. The last two photos show the same Artichaut design used in two different rooms at different times. You can rotate your wall decor just like you can rotate your art collection. It's an easy way to freshen and change a space.

I saw this idea at the Cottage Life Show last year in Toronto, Ontario and it's perfect for our cottage bedroom. We took apart an old, weathered skid and moved the boards closer together, then stencilled letters with red paint. Easy and economical.

stroconis - love the idea of splitting a photo up into different panels. We love doing that for customers. That arrangement is very unique. We did an off-set split canvas in our office to use as an example of different ways to present artwork on a wall with canvas.

This is my daughter's wall design we made together out of old picture frame and ads from fashion magazines to pay tribute to my daughter's interest in jewelry design. Alternative idea was to put pieces of beautifully designed gift paper.

A map is another piece of wall design that I love to play with. It expands your horizons.

I've built wall panels to dress up a large wall - you can paint them or wallpaper them to add color and pattern and you can also add lighting, either by installing wall sconces on them or by using rope light. The best part is that they are really easy and inexpensive to make! You can see how to build them in this video I made:

Three or four houses ago we bought a home in Iowa with a HUGE open wall going upstairs. The former owners had cut down a small tree, removed the back branches and attached it to the wall. Great interest. At Christmas I used to add tiny ornaments to the tree with a long pole. We had asked the former owners to leave it when we purchased the house and when we sold it the new owners asked us to leave it as well. There was a small flat backed vase which looked like it held the tree. Wish I had taken a picture of it.

Use any photo that you might have - I love vintage!.. and have it duplicated into a large format. You can have printed onto canvas, or secure it to posterboard. The image can be framed, or left without...
(pay no mind to the unfinished paint on wall!) I've seen a mega-size vintage photo on these HOUZZ pages that was so perfect!

Love the baskets! Here in earthquake country we're always looking for something to put up behind a bed that's pretty but not lethal. In a similar vein, I've used ceiling medallions (the man-made kind, not plaster).

Unfortunately I don't have a picture of this installation but it consists of props from an old Barney's window display. The forty framed pictures measure about 6" x 9" each and are identical. They are hung in a rectangular shaped horizontal and vertical fashion with precise accuracy in space between each piece. They have the word "wink" (40 winks) and are hung over a guest room bed. It's a great conversation piece but was a challenge to hang (even with my laser level)!

I love these designers' approaches! Nice variety of textures, skilled use of positive and negative space, inspiring, eclectic and personal touches that flow smoothly in each design and add to the particular style gone for. The baskets are a great grouping because of the color and sheer number of them. They have a strong visual impact. I very much dislike the horrible, commercial, impersonal abstract wall designs in the first comment. These types of wall art went out in the 80's and early 90's and are not a lasting, personal reflection of any owner but an impersonal, high-rise condo effect. I lOVE the comment showcasing the lake sign- so fun!

I am a person that can't stand looking at a blank wall or even ceiling. I think that it makes a house look cold and unfinished. I've learned that if you don't have it, find it and if you can't find it, create it. I have used old windows that I have found on curb that came from a church remodel and some that were given to me at a rummage sale that they just didn't want. The ones that have no glass I took scrap material with design on it and stapled it to the back and there you are, a piece of art that you can change. I use old metal trays, small wood boxes that I've painted and put a hook on and hung over french doors. In upstairs hall hangs a picture that I found at thrift store that someone had made out of a old jazz calendar and I took some old 45's I had from the 70's that I like and hung them around picture, now when I pass them I still get to enjoy the music and the memories. I take old doors and make a wall with black and white photos tacked to it that as well can be moved. I also keep an eye out for art canvas, even if it has a picture you don't like. I think of it like a wall, don't like the color then paint it. I don't think the artist will know. That's what I did and you can't even tell. I love creating art, I think it gives a home that extra personal touch and you know that you created it. I love color, especially black so I painted my ceiling in front room black and had a piece of purple silk (odd curtain), tacked it to ceiling center and found curtain tie backs for like 2 bucks at thrift store and tacked them to each corner and had old Chinese umbrella that I've had for years now that I picked up from the grand kids school rummage sale for 25 cents and hung in center and there you are. No more blank ceiling and total cost $2.25. I tell the grand kids that art is your imagination come to life. Your home is your canvas so let your imagination run wild.

A great idea is an ixxi! I have one myself. You can choose one of the masterpainters like Van Gogh, VanderMeer or Rembrandt, or create your own. It looks very modern and different. Got a lot of positive sound from friends and family

LOVE #10! If you don't have the time (or like me, the talent) to create your own wall decals, visit www.BeatufiulWallDecals.com to find gorgeous, affordable, easy-to-install designs! -- Plus FREE shipping!

I live with a brain injury so I don't retain memories for long. Our new house was designed with lots of wall space for galleries so I can remember all the people I love and fun times I've had. We have a chair rail photo gallery in my son's bathroom, so he can remember the names and faces of our family around the world. http://www.dejongdreamhouse.com/2013/03/chair-rail-family-gallery.html

I'm surprised there's no mention of mirrors. One of the most effective ways both to cover a wall with interest (depending on frame size, style, pattern, color, texture, etc.) and to keep the space feeling expansive and if done with larger mirrors, relatively clutter free. It's one of my favorite design tricks both in home and office design.

I love the idea of using decorative mirrors to decorate the walls. Also nowadays you can paint a decal on the wall. This could be whatever has caught your imagination at the moment. Also, I came across a living wall at one of my friend's place. It was right at the entryway and was made up of all type of plants on the wall. It looked really impressive and worth the effort.

Classic artwork stands the test of time, you will most likely change your sofa, your paint color, your lamps within the 4-10 year period, but a piece of artwork that you love, will keep on giving, www.winecountrystudios.ca

I paint my own art, but find the need to change it out with the seasons. Gives my space a new fresh look to enjoy. Can't have fall oranges and reds in the springtime! So my walls and furnishings are neutral...I also collect other artists work and they are in rotation, too!

An oversized piece can make a huge statement and complete the room.
An anaglypta dado under a chair rail with floral art prints gives a blank hallway a gallery look.
Rugs work great on a curved stairway wall Just bend the rod!

This is the new error for home decoration. If you are interested in my painting please drop me an e-mail. All of my art was created by using only the camera on my apple phone and my iPad. I am almost ready to release my collection of my Apple iPad Art to the world!

Serena Ng's taped wall idea just might be the answer I've been looking for for some time. Have a long entry hall that meets a longer hallway with all other rooms off of it. Plenty of doors. BUT the hall is not very wide. Anything I hand is not safe from being knocked off by hyper family and besides pictures need a bit of distance to appreciate. I've painted diff colors and ended up still hating the thing. THIS I WILL TRY! thanks